Bgy. Anajawan, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Norte
2nd FLORA Award Winners
Ervie Ann Consigna Conte is a dedicated multi-grade teacher and community development leader on Anajawan, a remote off-grid island in the Siargao Division of the Philippines. Since 2020, she has spearheaded initiatives addressing critical issues such as limited electricity, malnutrition, and access to quality education.
Paglajag Environmental Education and Youth Empowerment Initiative
Through projects like the Community Learning Hub, solar electrification, and the award-winning Paglajag environmental program, she has empowered over 600 individuals by partnering with various organizations. As a SELG Adviser, she fosters youth civic engagement and leadership while promoting sustainability and lifelong learning.
The Paglajag project is a youth-led initiative focused on environmental and cultural issues in Isla Anajawan, which is now expanding to neighboring islands. It tackles plastic pollution, coastal erosion, and environmental degradation through clean-ups, recycling activities, and education, empowering youth aged 3 to 29. The program fosters eco-conscious leadership while preserving cultural identity by integrating creativity sessions and values formation rooted in DepEd Core Values.
Starting with SELG Officers and youth leaders, participation quickly grew from quarterly to weekly activities over three years, including environmental mapping, storytelling, leadership training, art workshops, and community prayer meetings. The Recycling Studios convert collected plastics into reusable materials, strengthening sustainability.
Paglajag’s impact has spread to Suyangan, La Januza, and Mam-on islands, where communities have adopted the model.
It gained national recognition at the 7th National Climate Change Conference and led to new opportunities, including the UNESCO-supported Islands of Imagination celebration. More than an environmental effort, Paglajag is a model for community resilience and sustainable island development.
Filipina Achievers in Rural Education Award (FLORA) 